Kaizer Chiefs FC midfielder Njabulo Blom has officially moved to St. Louis City SC, signing a two‑year contract that runs through the end of the 2024 MLS season, with options for 2025 and 2026. The transfer, announced on December 23, 2022, awaits his International Transfer Certificate and a P‑1 Visa before he can don the MLS side's colours.
What are the details of the transfer?
Blom, 23, left Kaizer Chiefs after four seasons and 94 appearances across all competitions. The undisclosed fee and pending paperwork were confirmed by St. Louis City SC, which highlighted his “ball‑winning, super aggressive, warrior qualities” as a perfect fit for their midfield philosophy. The deal includes two guaranteed years and two optional extensions, giving the club flexibility while securing a young South African talent.
How did Blom perform for Kaizer Chiefs FC?
During the 2022‑23 campaign, Blom featured in 13 matches, helping Kaizer Chiefs maintain a 6‑3‑4 record and sit in fourth place in the Premier Division. He previously earned a starting role at 19, contributing to the club’s second‑place finish in the 2019‑20 season - the highest league placement since 2014‑15. His defensive midfield work earned him praise for consistency and tenacity.
What does this mean for the South African national team?
Blom, a South African senior international since his first call‑up in June 2021, has added five caps, including a debut against Ghana on September 6, 2021. Moving to MLS offers him regular high‑level competition, which could sharpen his skills ahead of future World Cup qualifiers. The national team will benefit from his exposure to a different tactical environment and the physical demands of the American league.
What are the next steps for Blom and St. Louis City SC?
The midfielder must secure his ITC and visa before traveling to the United States. Once cleared, he will join a squad that already features international players like Eduard Löwen and João Klauss. St. Louis City SC expects Blom to fill the central defensive midfield role, providing the “missing puzzle piece” the club cited in its announcement. Fans will watch closely as he adapts to MLS’s pace and physicality, hoping his South African grit translates into immediate impact on the pitch.
